Nakayama Hokeyoji Temple, Tokyo

Belonging to the Nichiren sect, a major homegrown branch of Buddhism in Japan, this temple stands in an area where Nichiren, the sect's founding priest, exercised enormous influence. The temple pagoda, which dates to 1622, is among the three oldest in Tokyo. It was erected in honor of a family of painters, the Hon'ami. Cherry trees and an attractive gate made of zelkova, (keyaki) similar in design to that at Zojoji in Shiba, make this an appealing temple to visit.